The ecology and toxicology of synthetic organic pigments

Current knowledge of the ecological and toxicological properties of synthetic organic pigments is reviewed. Presumably because of their generally low solubility pigments exhibit little biological activity, especially in terms of acute toxicity. Only a minority of products has been subjected to long-term feeding studies, but no evidence of carcinogenic activity has been found. Although pigments are not readily biodegradable there is no evidence that they create any significant ecological problems; in practice only small amounts reach open waters as a result of their manufacture or application.